ALBANY -- One party has picked, another is choosing and a third is taking resumes to see who its candidate to replace Rep. Chris Lee will be, all as Gov. Andrew Cuomo proposed to double the length of a still-uncalled special election in western New York.

Under current law, an election would take place 30-40 days after Cuomo issued a formal proclamation declaring it. This creates a very narrow window for absentee ballots from military voters -- it has prompted action against New York state by the federal Department of Justice -- that has prompted Cuomo to introduce a bill doubling the window to 70-80 days.

"For years, New Yorkers serving in the military abroad have been inadvertently left out of the electoral process," Cuomo said in a statement. "This measure will rectify the discrepancy between New York state and federal laws regarding special elections, allow members of the military to have their voices heard, and ensure fair and accurate representation of the citizens of New York."

Cuomo has no deadline to set the special election under current law.

The GOP nominated Assemblywoman Jane Corwin, R-Clarence, as their candidate for the seat, which became vacant when Lee, R-Amherst, resigned after sending shirtless pictures of himself to a woman on Craigslist.

Corwin visited four of the seven counties in the 26th district on Wednesday to kick off her candidacy. She is also seeking the cross-endorsement of the Conservative Party, often a crucial boost for Republican candidates.

But a man passed over for the GOP nomination, Retired Army Staff Sgt. David Bellavia, is also seeking the Conservative Party endorsement and is courting tea party activists as part of his quest.

His spokesman said Tuesday that Bellavia had filed paperwork to form an exploratory committee, and would make his case to Conservative Party leaders because Corwin would continue to allow abortions in the first trimester of pregnancy or in cases of rape and incest.

Bellavia opposes both positions on abortion. But Conservative leaders in Monroe and Erie Counties, the two largest in the district, said they were leaning toward Corwin, as did Conservative Party State Chairman Mike Long. He said Corwin appears to be the frontrunner.

Democrats are seeking prospective candidates. Two Erie County officials, Clerk Kathy Hochul and Comptroller Mark Poloncarz, are considering a run.

"Unlike our Republican counterparts who seem to have made a rush to judgment, we believe taking the time to find the best person is of utmost importance," the seven Democratic chairs said in a statement. Democrats are energized and excited and we are moving forward with the process. We assure the people of the 26th Congressional District that we will be ready with an outstanding candidate to run in the special election."